Millimeter-Wave Antenna Module Shielding Wall Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the size of an antenna module in a planar direction while minimizing the deterioration of antenna characteristics, which occurs due to the overlap of feeding lines and a partitioning portion in the housing.
Innovation Solution
The antenna module incorporates a first substrate with an RFIC for high-frequency signal processing and a second substrate with a BBIC for baseband signal processing. A metal housing with a shielding wall is used to separate the ICs, and a non-interference portion, such as a tunnel portion in the shielding wall, is designed to reduce interference with the feeding lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the overlap amount between the first substrate and the second substrate is increased to reduce module size, then the module size in planar direction is reduced, but the feeding line and the partitioning portion overlap in plan view causing deterioration in antenna characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of the partitioning portion on the feeding line is extracted and localized by creating a non-interference portion (opening) in the partitioning wall at the position overlapping the feeding line. This allows the feeding line to pass through without electromagnetic interference while maintaining the shielding function in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitioning wall is designed with different properties in different locations: it provides electromagnetic shielding in most areas but has a non-interference portion (opening) locally where it overlaps with the feeding line. This local modification allows the feeding line to maintain its electrical characteristics while the rest of the wall provides shielding.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a partitioning portion is provided in the housing to prevent electromagnetic interference between RFIC and BBIC, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the feeding line may come close to the partitioning portion causing deterioration in antenna characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful electromagnetic field from the partitioning wall is extracted or removed from the region where the feeding line passes through by creating a non-interference portion (opening) in the partitioning wall. This allows the feeding line to pass through without being affected by electromagnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-interference portion (opening) in the partitioning wall acts as an intermediary that allows the feeding line to pass through the shielding structure without direct contact or electromagnetic coupling, thereby maintaining both shielding effectiveness and feeding line performance.
3Reliability
If the RFIC is positioned at the center of the first substrate to maintain equal feeding line lengths for array antenna, then antenna performance is maintained, but feeding lines extend toward the second substrate increasing the likelihood of overlap with the partitioning portion
Solution Approach 1:
The conflict between the feeding line and partitioning wall is resolved by extracting the harmful interaction region and creating a non-interference portion (opening) in the partitioning wall where the feeding line passes through. This allows the RFIC to remain centered for optimal antenna performance while preventing interference with the extended feeding lines.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a reduced module size in the planar direction while effectively preventing electromagnetic interference and maintaining antenna characteristics, thereby achieving a compact and efficient antenna module.
Implementation Method 1
a partitioning portion (shielding wall) is provided in the housing... the metal housing includes a first accommodation space configured to accommodate the first IC, a second accommodation space configured to accommodate the second IC, and a shielding wall provided between the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module includes a first substrate that includes a first antenna element and a feeding line to a second antenna element and configured to handle a high-frequency signal in a millimeter wave band, a second substrate arranged to overlap a portion of the first substrate in plan view and configured to handle a baseband signal having a frequency band lower than that of the high-frequency signal, and a metal housing that includes a first accommodation space configured to accommodate a RFIC, a second accommodation space configured to accommodate a BBIC, and a shielding wall provided between the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space, the shielding wall is arranged to overlap the feeding line in plan view, and at least one of the shielding wall and the first substrate includes a non-interference portion configured to reduce interference between the shielding wall and the feeding line.